Special Kind of KAL

I'm sure you've all seen the newest collaboration from Ysolda Teague and Stephanie of Tiny Owl Knits, right?  Their BFF Cowl hit the airwaves late last week, and there was a flurry of <3s and forum posts all over Ravelry.

I loved the photo spread that accompanied the pattern -- the lighting, colors, and poses were irresistible, so irresistible that I pm'd my friend Gail instantly and asked if she would cast on our very own BFF Cowls.  As only a true friend would do, she replied within minutes with a resounding YES!

Cascade Eco Duo, Undyed

Rather than surprise one another, we decided to coordinate yarns and colors.  I'm partial to neutrals and pale colors while Gail is prone to bright and saturated ones. Still, she sweetly headed in my direction -- we're co-blogging today so make sure to check out her post later today, too.

Seedpod Cowl

Without talking about it, we both cast on late yesterday afternoon and wouldn't you know it, we chose to start with different cowls -- we were stoked!  I'll admit that I didn't practice mindful knitting when casting on.  I had only skimmed the Seedpod pattern before picking up my needles, and sure enough, I hit a row with a stitch instruction that had me scratching my head.  What's 1 into 15, I asked myself?

I pm'd Gail, and she got back to me within minutes with the answer ... (note to self: read the pattern all the way through first like you promised you would!!)

I took my time after that and finished the first pattern section to create this gorgeous seedpod motif.  It takes a fair bit of concentration -- no Netflix with this pattern -- but I listened to a nice set of knitting podcasts that kept me great company!  More about that in another post.